How To Style Bookshelves Using Decor You Have And More
Here’s how to style bookshelves using decor you have (I just did it for my sister at her new condo). I use a simple method highlighted below.
And there are other good things like what to watch and wear. It’s Five Faves time with Annie and Cindy.
Style Bookshelves Using Decor You Have
This is in my sister’s new living room in San Diego. The Restoration Hardware bookcase was handed down to my sister from our cousin. I was sweating bullets that the height would fit since we only had one inch to spare. But it does and they look like built-in bookshelves!
Here are my tips in a nutshell with a link to other bookcase decor that I’ve styled. It’s a pretty simple seven step formula using layers.
- First clear the shelves and make them uniform if you can.
- Put all your accent pieces in one place so that you can “shop” your own decor.
- Position larger objects and accessories on the shelves first like artwork, boxes, vases, faux greenery, succulents, etc. On rarely used top shelves you may want to add baskets for storage and texture.
- Then fill in with hardback books. Remove tattered and faded book jackets. Place vertically as well as horizontal stacks (especially with coffee table books).
- Add bookends and medium accessories and decor items like frames with travel or family photos.
6. Put smaller items on a stack of books (like the dog figurines) or boxes (like the vintage opera glasses) to give them prominence.
7. Leave a bit of empty space to give visual interest.
Check this out: A Roundup Of Ways To Style Shelves for more blog posts on bookshelf decor ideas.
We did a lot more with my sister’s home decor but we are waiting for some final pieces like lighting and tile work before I can show you before and afters.
What To Gift: Rifle Paper Company
Our son lives near the Rifle Paper Company headquarters in Winter Park, Fl. I stopped in there last weekend.
I bought a few things on sale (great for gifts and yourself) such as:
What To Wear When It’s Really Hot!
This lightweight cotton poplin (but not see through) dress comes in olive and navy. It’s easy and perfect for the hottest days of summer. My polarized sunglasses are by Quince and this is a similar straw bag.
These are my favorite comfortable sandals at the moment. I think I should pack them for Paris when we go in September. I wore them walking around San Diego.
What To Watch: A Hazard Of Hearts On Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime has some older romantic movies like A Hazard Of Hearts (warning: your husband won’t like it). I feel like watching these types of movies is similar to the escape some people get watching Bravo shows.
“A beautiful young woman is sent to live at a forbidding cliff-top mansion after her father, a compulsive gambler, loses her and his estate in a wager. Based on the acclaimed novel by Barbara Cartland.”
A Hazard of Hearts is a 1987 made-for-television romantic drama film starring Helena Bonham Carter in one of her first major roles. It has some beautiful interiors.
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Oh and I love your dress!! You look fabulous!
Mary Ann! You are always so brilliant in design using what you have… or in this case, what Theresa has! Shop your home! The shelves look so beautiful and your formula is spot on! Texture, storage, books and how to display… can’t wait to see you in Paris!!
Xo
How wonderful that your sister and kids have moved into new homes — and that they have you to help.
Thank you for the great tips on styling book shelves, and enjoy the coastal CA weather!
Mary Ann, Your post never disappoint. Love reading about your travels. Great shelf decor tips and I can’t wait to stop in at the Rifle Paper Store next time I’m in WP. I have the same sandals in black and the neutral straw like style. Love them both so much. Bringing the black ones with me to Tuscany in October. I love the tropical print dress in the photo of you next to the wall unit. Recent purchase?
I bought that dress at the Pasadena flea market…there were lots of racks of Indian block kaftans. Should have bought another!
Can we see the other side of the room? Shelves look great!
Oh yes…I will show that. I also want to show her bathrooms and kitchen when we are finished…almost there.
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you for sharing your Apple Watch band
with me. I passed it onto my girlfriend. I don’t have an Apple Watch, if I did, I would go for that band.
How wonderful that you are helping your sister get
organized in her new condo. I love how you styled her beautiful bookshelf. I bet you were sweating bullets that the fit would be perfect. A huge breath and chill.
You are such a giver, helping your daughter and son-in-law move into their home. Always present and showing up.
The Rifle Paper Company looks like a wonderful store. The backdrop behind her counter is a beautiful standout. You looked like you belonged in the store.
Love the blog!
I just wanted to reply to this post about the Apple Watch. I highly recommend getting one! It actually saved my in-laws’ lives. They were in a bad car accident and it alerted all of their kids, with a map of their location (a mountain road along the coast). It also was able to call 911 while they were immobile in the car! Can’t recommend enough.
Wow — thank you for sharing that info. I have been on the fence about purchasing an Apple watch, but that is compelling. And I was debating between MaryAnn’s gorgeous band on an Apple watch, or a watch with a mother-of-pearl face ;-}
Wow…thanks so much for this.
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I bet you had fun at Rifle Paper! Great job styling Teresa’s shelves!